Families and Schools Together

Bringing parents, children, teachers and the wider community together.

Helping families to support their child's learning

One in five children in the UK can’t read well when they leave primary school. For children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, the figure is more than one in three.

We help disadvantaged children fulfil their potential at school – and in life.

By the time they reach secondary school, many of the UK's poorest children have fallen even further behind.

FAST helps tackle this inequality by building stronger bonds between parents, schools and communities to make sure children get the support they need to do their best at school.

We are currently completing Europe’s first Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of FAST, and are taking a break from running the programme pausing delivery in new schools while we consider the best next steps. For further information you can contact us at fast@savethechildren.org.uk

How FAST works

The eight-week programme helps children improve their skills in reading, writing and maths – as well as encouraging a positive attitude to learning.

It also helps parents support their child's learning and development at home.

FAST has already transformed the lives of thousands of families in the UK. Between 2009 and 2015, 11,658 families took part in the programme.

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Calling schools and councils

We're also looking for schools and local authorities to help us to bring FAST to more communities. Contact us: